Adjacent to this announcement was another one regarding collective punishment for the football team members, also on probation."Two strikes, both in and out of campus... quite impressive!" Zhao Yanzǐ...Chapter 249: Coming Back!

This shout made everyone tense. At this moment, the second wave of tremors appeared.

The Dragon Palace shook violently; temporary stalls set up fell one after another.

Hao Ren and Zhao Yanzǐ's stall decorations also tumbled down.

In such a situation, no one could stand steadily. Hao Ren pulled Zhao Yanzǐ into his arms to prevent her from being hit by the panicked crowd or falling debris.

"Little White!" Hao Ren shouted loudly.

Little White understood Hao Ren's intention and quickly transformed into its giant form. Hao Ren then helped Ah Zi climb onto it, gently patting Little White on the behind, causing the beast to burst into flames and fly up!

Floating above the ground of Dragon Palace, they were no longer affected by the shaking. Zhao Yanzǐ tightly hugged Hao Ren's waist; this was her first time encountering such a situation, and she felt somewhat frightened.

It was only when aloft that Hao Ren could clearly see all the palaces in the Dragon Palace shaking—someone was attacking the Dragon Palace’s protective array!

In the plaza between the palaces, squads of soldiers appeared. A golden-armored general, seeing a spiritual beast hovering in mid-air, shouted out, "Who dares to fly"

Within the East Sea Dragon Palace, apart from the most esteemed Dragon King and Dragon Queen, along with some core elders, no one was allowed to fly within the palace!

Sitting atop Little White's broad back, Zhao Yanzǐ poked her head out.

The golden-armored general looked up at them and hurriedly saluted respectfully, "Your Highness, I didn't know you were here! Please forgive me!"

Hao Ren commanded Little White to descend slowly but did not land on the square; instead, they hovered a half-meter above ground.

Zhao Yanzǐ looked at this general and asked, "What exactly is happening"

"The protective array has been attacked. We are currently investigating the cause," replied the golden-armored general with utmost respect.

Without obtaining confirmed news, he dared not give any answer himself. Being a high-ranking officer of the Dragon Palace’s guards, his status was quite elevated; hence, he knew everything happening outside the palace as well.

The East Sea Dragon Palace being attacked could be due to West Sea forces, or it might stem from cultivator sects above the fifth layer of heaven. It also might come from a demon beast uprising, or perhaps other solo powerhouses seeking trouble with the East Sea Dragon Palace for some reason.

Everyone knew that the East Sea Dragon Palace was rich in resources and had faced several invincible strongmen who once came to "borrow" things, which were actually stolen.

At this moment, the shaking of the Dragon Palace suddenly subsided.

A short distance away, Zhao Guang led a group of core elders out from one of the palaces and asked, "What's going on"

Hao Ren guided Little White to descend slowly and then helped Zhao Yanzǐ slide off its body.

"It was an attack on the outer array. We are waiting for soldiers stationed outside to report back. The Dragon King has been alarmed," said the golden-armored general, bowing respectfully toward the Dragon King.

"Investigate thoroughly! Whoever dares to attack the East Sea Dragon Palace will face severe punishment!" Zhao Guang's expression turned stern. "From today on, patrol soldiers' numbers shall be doubled! Anyone who invades the Dragon Palace shall receive no mercy!

"This subordinate accepts the order!" The golden-armored general gave a resounding response.

Zhao Guang threw a tantrum, then looked at Hao Ren and Zhao Yanzi. "You two go back to rest. Don't come out randomly anymore. Commander Zhao, I need you to lead a squad of elite soldiers and guard around Princess Zǐ's palace."

"Yes!" Commander Zhao immediately accepted the order.

Thus, under Commander Zhao’s “escort,” Hao Ren and Zhao Yanzi returned to the rear hall from earlier. After being scolded by her father, Zhao Yanzi stuck out her tongue at Hao Ren.

Hao Ren could only smile; he was more worried about the force behind the attack on the Dragon Palace. The Dragon Palace served as the base for East Sea forces, and this situation was different from minor skirmishes on the periphery of their influence.

Back in their bedroom, Zhao Yanzi yawned and waved to Xiao Bai who followed her.

Xiao Bai pounced into Zhao Yanzi’s arms. Holding her, she climbed into a large bed, then lifted Xiao Bai by the ears, "Grow bigger!"

Bang! Xiao Bai transformed into a big lion.

Zhao Yanzi was satisfied, holding onto the fluffy “Big White,” and snuggled up to sleep.

So Xiao Bai also had a role in warming the bed… I didn’t think of this. Hao Ren could only be helpless upon seeing this.

The size of his bed was half that of Zhao Yanzi’s, but it wasn't narrow either.

In this spacious ancient bedroom, there burned specially made incense sticks, giving off a strong sense of antiquity.

Soon after, both Zhao Yanzi and Xiao Bai were fast asleep. Seeing how similar their breathing patterns and sounds were, Hao Ren even began to suspect that Zhao Yanzi was also a little monster beast.

Hao Ren sat cross-legged by the bed’s headboard, practicing the Sword Shadow Technique until he entered a state of meditation.

After circulating the Sword Shadow Technique 187 times in his body, Hao Ren opened his eyes to find that there was already some light seeping through the carved wooden door outside.

The Dragon Palace might be hidden underwater, but it still had its own day and night cycle like the outside world. However, the climate remained spring-like all year round without seasonal changes.

Seeing Zhao Yanzi hugging Xiao Bai in a deep sleep, Hao Ren stretched his legs and got out of bed.

He walked over to take a look at her sleeping posture and appearance—her little mouth was puckered into a pout, her cute nose flaring up and down as she breathed, with her breaths blowing against Xiao Bai's fur.

Her two small hands were hugging Xiao Bai tightly, like she had wrapped herself around a large stuffed toy. Because of her short stature, it seemed that she was curled up in Xiao Bai’s belly.

Hao Ren moved closer to her and really wanted to pinch her cute little nose but eventually held back. At her age, Zhao Yanzi was transitioning between understanding and being ignorant; her mind probably still revolved around thinking about lovely things or doing adorable acts.

Quietly exiting the room, Hao Ren went out into a small garden for some fresh air.

Hao Ren couldn't recognize any of these exotic flowers and grasses. Suddenly, mini Xiao Bai popped out from the room, frantically searching around the courtyard before jumping suddenly into a cluster of flowers.

Pu pu… A strong odor rose up from within the flower bed—it was neither entirely bad nor entirely good.

After just a few seconds, Xiao Bai had finished her business and pounced out of the flower beds. She then ran to the stone path edge and crouched down to clean herself.

"Can't you be a little more civilized" Seeing Xiao Bai poop on the ground again, Hao Ren really didn't know what to say.

Xiao Bai pretended not to understand and put on an ingratiating expression, jumping into Hao Ren's arms.

"Damn it! He just finished pooping and is rubbing against me!" Hao Ren threw him back onto the ground again.

But Xiao Bai showed no sign of guilt or remorse; he ran around Hao Ren’s feet happily.

"He has such thick skin…" Hao Ren sighed, then went outside to look around.

In the courtyard outside the palace, General Zhao was leading a group of soldiers in training drills at the gate.

Seeing Hao Ren, he hurriedly clasped his hands together and bowed, "I pay my respects to Prince Consort!"

"General Zhao has been working hard," said Hao Ren as he walked over. Seeing the soldiers practicing fist strikes, he asked, “What kind of martial art is this"

“Reporting back to Prince Consort, this is a basic military fist technique practiced by the soldiers daily, without any name,” General Zhao replied.

Hao Ren nodded and noticed that these soldiers had strong, powerful, neat, and fierce movements as they struck.

After pondering for a few seconds, Hao Ren suddenly asked, "General Zhao, may I learn this martial art"

The general was surprised. “Prince Consort is of noble blood; this lowly fist technique…”

"No, I feel these techniques are quite effective. In the current unstable situation, I should try my best too,” Hao Ren said.

General Zhao looked at him in surprise again and after a brief hesitation said, "Alright! If Prince Consort is determined!"

He squatted into a horse stance and stood before the formation.

Horse Stance Punch!

Hao Ren undid his clothes, standing beside him to learn along with him. He had once been on the long-distance running team in high school; squatting was basic training for leg strength. If it weren't for this, how could he have caught Zhao Yanzi falling from mid-air back then

The soldiers, without their general's guidance, gradually stopped practicing and watched as General Zhao and Prince Consort led the way.

This leader of the imperial guards, despite his high position, had never neglected martial arts training. His punches and kicks remained very standard.

Hao Ren mimicked him meticulously, showing great seriousness too.

Xiao Bai sat on the stone steps beside them, staring at Hao Ren with his black eyes as if puzzled.

Sweat poured down Hao Ren after finishing a set of basic punches.

While General Zhao was still in heavy military attire and breathing steadily!

Meditation indeed enhanced physical strength to some extent, but perseverance could not be cultivated simply through meditation!

Like Zhao Kuo; clearly dual-cultivating both magic and martial arts.

Even without using mana, he could punch a tiger to death!

And someone like Su Han, who focuses solely on cultivation stages, still needs to practice sword techniques in the training room and jog every morning.

"It takes three repetitions to truly master it. Could you please instruct me once more, Captain Zhao" After wiping off his sweat, Hao Ren asked again.

Captain Zhao was even more surprised; he thought that the Imperial son-in-law was merely curious and had given him a small lesson, but hadn't expected him to actually want to learn!

These soldiers who practice boxing daily would be exhausted after three rounds in the morning. Yet this Imperial son-in-law...

"Captain Zhao, we need your assistance!" Seeing Captain Zhao standing still, Hao Ren urged him.

"Alright!" Captain Zhao got into position and demonstrated again!

One round of these basic boxing techniques, if done earnestly, takes at least half an hour. Three rounds would take one and a half hours—three hours in total!

Hao Ren had just left the palace with dawn breaking to see those soldiers practicing early morning exercises. He knew how hardworking these soldiers were.

After three rounds, Hao Ren felt he was on the verge of exhaustion! Without using any mana, he relied solely on his physical strength!

The soldiers stood by, whispering among themselves. If the Imperial son-in-law learned their boxing techniques for one round, it would be a show; but doing three rounds meant truly wanting to join them in their rigorous training.

Just like Zhao Kuo: even as the dragon king's younger brother, he charged ahead!

"Thank you, Captain Zhao. I'll practice this boxing technique diligently." Hao Ren bowed slightly toward Captain Zhao.

Captain Zhao was speechless and could only bow back to Hao Ren.

Initially, he privately thought that the Imperial son-in-law seemed weak, but after seeing him finish three rounds, his opinion changed completely! Facing a dire enemy, even an Imperial son-in-law wouldn't flinch!

Hao Ren brought Xiao Bai back to the palace. As they passed through the small garden, he noticed golden fruits hanging among various flowers and plants.

He didn't pay much attention, thinking that these plants naturally bloomed briefly in the morning, withering to reveal their fruit inside.

In a room, Zhao Yanzi was still sound asleep. He was an expert at sleeping in.

The soldiers outside concluded their exercises and patrolled around the palace. They had spent the night near Hao Ren and Zhao Yanzi's quarters to prevent any unforeseen incidents.

Shortly after, Lu Qing arrived as dispatched by Zhao Guang to take Zhao Yanzi to school. Despite yawning, he couldn't defy his father’s command.

Returning to the seaside, a vehicle was parked on the highway about ten meters away.

Ding-dong... Ding-dong...

Hao Ren's phone, having just regained signal, rang.

The number displayed was from a landline in another city.

"Hello" Hao Ren answered the call.on practices, which is why Qingfeng and Mingyue were so excited knowing they could also eat the fruits.Immortal fruits that take nearly ten thousand years to fully mature will slowly show their benefi...